Tools used in garment making for JSS 1

Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Fashion Design and Garment Making
Curriculum Theme: Sewing tools and equipment
Key competencies/values: Collaboration; Critical Thinking
Skills:

• Identify the tools and equipment used in fashion and garment making

Previous Lesson: Meaning, Importance and Stages of Garment Making and Importance of Garment Making
Topic: Garment Making: Tools Used In Garment Making
Subject Matter: Tools used in garment making

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• identify the tools and equipment used in fashion and garment making;
• discuss the importance of fashion and garment making;
• explain how garment making can improve an individual’s livelihood.

Affective Domain

• appreciate the role of various tools in garment making;
• value the potential of garment making as a skill for economic empowerment.

Psychomotor Domain

• correctly handle and demonstrate the use of basic garment making tools;
• classify garment making tools based on their functions.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Fashion Design and Garment Making for Junior Secondary Schools, Book 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Measuring tape (manual)
• Rulers (long, short, curved)
• Sewing needles (hand needles, machine needles)
• Scissors (fabric shears, thread snips)
• Rotary cutter
• Sewing machine (hand or treadle, if available)
• Cutting table or large flat surface
• Iron (dry or steam)
• Ironing board
• Examples of different types and sizes of zippers
• Charts showing various garment making tools

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important as it introduces students to the fundamental tools required for garment making. Understanding these tools and their uses is essential for developing practical skills in fashion design. It also highlights how garment making can serve as a valuable skill for personal creativity and economic independence.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students have basic knowledge of simple craft activities and may have seen some sewing tools at home.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Garment Making: Tools Used In Garment Making

Introduction to Garment Making Tools

Garment making involves using various tools and equipment to measure, cut, sew, and finish fabrics into clothing. These tools help to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and quality in the final product.

Types of Tools Used in Garment Making and Their Functions

Garment making tools can be categorised based on their primary functions:

1. Measuring Tools

These tools are used to take accurate body measurements, mark patterns, and ensure correct fabric dimensions.

1. Measuring Tape: A flexible tape used for taking body measurements and measuring curved surfaces.
2. Rulers: Straight edges of various lengths (e.g., long, short, curved, T-ruler) used for drawing straight lines, marking hems, and squaring off patterns.
3. Yardstick/Metre Rule: A long, flat rule used for measuring long lengths of fabric.

2. Cutting Tools

These tools are used to cut fabrics, threads, and patterns accurately.

1. Fabric Shears/Scissors: Large, sharp scissors specifically designed for cutting fabric cleanly. They should only be used for fabric.
2. Pinking Shears: Scissors with serrated blades that create a zigzag edge, used to prevent fabric edges from fraying.
3. Thread Snips/Small Scissors: Small scissors used for cutting threads and making small snips.
4. Rotary Cutters: A tool with a circular blade, used with a cutting mat and ruler for quick and precise cutting of multiple layers of fabric.
5. Electronic Cutters: Computer-controlled machines that precisely cut fabric based on digital patterns (more common in industrial settings).

3. Marking Tools

These tools are used to transfer pattern markings onto fabric.

1. Tailor’s Chalk: A piece of chalk used to mark lines and symbols on fabric, which can be easily brushed off.
2. Tracing Wheel and Carbon Paper: Used to transfer pattern markings onto fabric with a tracing wheel rolling over carbon paper.

4. Sewing Tools

These tools are essential for stitching fabric pieces together.

1. Sewing Needles (Hand): Needles of various sizes used for hand stitching, basting, and mending.
2. Machine Needles: Needles designed for sewing machines, available in different types for various fabrics.
3. Thimble: A small metal or plastic cap worn on the finger to protect it when pushing a needle through fabric.
4. Pins: Small, sharp metal objects used to hold fabric pieces together before sewing.
5. Pin Cushion: A small cushion used to store pins safely and keep them sharp.
6. Sewing Machine: A machine (hand, treadle, or electronic) used to stitch fabric together quickly and efficiently.

5. Pressing Tools

These tools are used to flatten seams, remove wrinkles, and give garments a professional finish.

1. Iron (Dry and Steam): An appliance used to apply heat and pressure to fabric for pressing.
2. Ironing Table/Board: A padded surface on which fabric is pressed.

6. Fasteners and Closures

These are materials used to close openings in garments.

1. Zippers: Fasteners consisting of two rows of teeth that interlock, used for closing garments. They come in different types (e.g., coil, metal, invisible) and sizes.
2. Buttons: Fasteners sewn onto garments, used with buttonholes.
3. Hooks and Eyes: Small metal fasteners used for discreet closures.

Importance of Fashion and Garment Making

Fashion and garment making is important for several reasons:

1. Personal Expression: It allows individuals to create unique clothing that reflects their style and personality.
2. Cultural Preservation: Traditional attire and designs are preserved and promoted through garment making.
3. Skill Development: It teaches valuable skills such as creativity, precision, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
4. Economic Empowerment: It provides opportunities for individuals to earn a living through designing, sewing, and selling garments.
5. Job Creation: The fashion industry creates numerous jobs, from designers and tailors to manufacturers and retailers.

How Garment Making Can Improve an Individual’s Livelihood

Garment making can significantly improve an individual’s livelihood by:

1. Self-Employment: Individuals can start their own tailoring businesses, offering custom-made clothes, alterations, and repairs.
2. Income Generation: Selling handmade garments, accessories, or offering sewing services can provide a steady source of income.
3. Reduced Expenses: Individuals can save money by making or altering their own clothes and those of their family members.
4. Skill Transfer: The skill can be taught to others, creating a ripple effect of empowerment within communities.
5. Access to Markets: With creativity and quality, garment makers can access local and even international markets for their products.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them if they have ever seen someone sew clothes or if they know any tools used for making clothes. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Tools Used in Garment Making.”

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to garment making

Step 2: Identification of Tools

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various garment making tools (e.g., measuring tape, scissors, needles, pins, iron) and asks students to identify them. The teacher calls out the name of each tool clearly.

Pupils’ Activity: Students identify the tools as called out by the teacher and observe their physical appearance.

Learning Point: Identification of tools

Step 3: Functions of Measuring and Marking Tools

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the function of measuring tools (e.g., measuring tape for body measurements, rulers for straight lines) and marking tools (e.g., tailor’s chalk for fabric markings).

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstrations and ask questions for clarification. They interact and engage in a discussion on these tools.

Learning Point: Uses of measuring tools

Step 4: Functions of Cutting Tools

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the function of cutting tools (e.g., fabric shears for cutting fabric, thread snips for cutting threads). The teacher emphasizes safe handling.

Pupils’ Activity: Students pay attention to the demonstrations, especially on safe handling, and discuss the uses of cutting tools.

Learning Point: Uses of cutting tools

Step 5: Functions of Sewing and Pressing Tools

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the function of sewing tools (e.g., hand needles, pins, thimble) and pressing tools (e.g., iron, ironing board). The teacher also shows different types of zippers.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstrations and discuss the functions of these tools and fasteners.

Learning Point: Uses of sewing and pressing tools

Step 6: Importance of Garment Making and Livelihood

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the importance of fashion and garment making, highlighting how it can improve an individual’s livelihood through self-employment and income generation.

Pupils’ Activity: Students contribute to the discussion by sharing their ideas on the importance of garment making and its economic benefits.

Learning Point: Economic benefits of garment making

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Name three measuring tools used in garment making.
2. State one function of fabric shears.
3. How can garment making improve an individual’s livelihood?
4. Why is it important to use an iron in garment making?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Recall of garment making tools

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on tools and their functions into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the lesson by reiterating the importance of knowing and using the right tools for garment making and encourages students to practice identifying them.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the summary and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of key concepts

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Draw and label any two cutting tools used in garment making.
2. List three reasons why garment making is important.
3. Interview a tailor or fashion designer in your community and ask them about their favourite tools and why.

Lesson Keywords

• Garment Making – The process of creating clothing from fabric.
• Measuring Tape – A flexible tool for taking body and fabric measurements.
• Fabric Shears – Large, sharp scissors used specifically for cutting fabric.
• Sewing Machine – A machine used to stitch fabric together.
• Iron – An appliance used to press and smooth fabric.
• Livelihood – A means of securing the necessities of life.

Differentiation

Support for Weaker Learners: Provide flashcards with pictures and names of tools for easier identification. Pair them with faster learners for group activities and peer support. Focus on identifying and stating the function of the most common tools.

Extension for Faster Learners: Challenge them to research other specialised tools used in garment making (e.g., buttonhole maker, serger). Ask them to design a simple garment and list all the tools they would need for its creation.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search for “Basic Sewing Tools for Beginners JSS 1” on YouTube.

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have actual garment making tools or clear visual aids available for demonstration. Arrange the classroom to allow for easy viewing of demonstrations and group discussions. Begin by engaging students with questions about their prior experiences with sewing. Proceed systematically through the different categories of tools, demonstrating the correct use and safe handling of each. Encourage students to actively participate in discussions about the importance of garment making and its potential for improving livelihoods. During the evaluation stage, assess both their identification of tools and their understanding of the concepts. Guide students to copy the Board Summary notes after the main teaching points have been covered and understood. Emphasise safety precautions, especially when handling sharp objects like scissors.